Fluid flow control valve

ABSTRACT

A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element which is sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of fluid pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element. A fluid filter element is also disposed within the passageway; and a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the filter element within the passageway.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to fluid flow control andregulation devices and, more particularly, to one-way flow controldevices and valves for pressurized fluids, especially gas. Specifically,the present invention relates to such flow control devices particularlyadaptable as inlet valves for first and second stage regulator membersused in scuba diving units to prevent the entry of water and othercontaminates into the regulator member without interfering with theproper flow of breathable gas.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Fluid flow regulator and control devices of various types arewell known in the art. Both liquid and gas regulator devices have beenadapted for a wide variety of commercial and industrial assemblies andapparatus. However, the adaptation of such devices to high-pressureenvironments having relatively small fluid control apertures and valvesis highly specialized. This is particularly true in the field of scuba(self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving equipment andregulators.

[0005] Within the past several decades, the sport of scuba diving hasenjoyed considerable popularity so that there exists an entire industryfor supplying equipment for the sport. Moreover, the popularity of thesport continues to increase dramatically. This industry manufactures andsells a wide variety of instruments, devices and equipment to enable aperson to properly breathe underwater and remain beneath the water'ssurface for extended periods of time. One of the most vital concerns inthe manufacture of underwater breathing apparatus is the need for asource of air or other breathable gas mixtures at substantially constantpressure. That is, in order to allow a person to breathe properly, it isnecessary to have a source of air or other breathable gas, the pressureof which does not fluctuate randomly at the point of intake.

[0006] Typically, scuba divers utilize a pressurized source ofbreathable gas, such as compressed air as well as mixed gas blends, at arelatively high initial pressure which may exceed 3,000 psi and evenreach 4500-5000 psi in certain technical diving situations. Pressureregulators have been developed over the years to deliver such breathablegas to a diver at ambient pressure regardless of the depth of the scubadiver. Consequently, the breathable gas is typically reduced in pressurein staged steps. The first step is performed by a first stage regulatormember of a dual stage regulator assembly which reduces the tankpressure of approximately 3,000 psi or greater to a constantintermediate pressure of about 120-140 psi. The first stage regulator ismounted directly to the high pressure source of gas, such as a scubatank outlet valve, and the intermediate pressure gas is then directedthrough a pressure hose exiting the first stage regulator member.

[0007] The intermediate pressure gas from the pressure hose is thendelivered to a second stage regulator member which generally has adiaphragm arrangement to further reduce gas pressure and providebreathable gas to the diver at a usable, that is ambient, pressure. Thesecond stage regulator member may be in the form of a primary regulatorutilized by the scuba diver as a primary source of breathing gas, or itmay be in the form of what is commonly called an alternate gas or airsource, or an octopus. The alternate air source is utilized foremergency breathing situations and is frequently combined with aninflator valve for use with buoyancy control devices. Moreover,intermediate gas pressure lines or hoses may also extend from the firststage regulator member to provide gas for other purposes, such as usewith a dry exposure suit and the like.

[0008] Once the dual stage regulator assembly is attached to a scubatank gas outlet valve to create an entire scuba unit, the scuba unit isan environmentally closed or sealed system. In other words, the systemwherein compressed gas passes from the tank through the first stageregulator, the intermediate pressure hoses and to the inner side of thesecond stage regulator member diaphragm, is limited only to compressedgas and is not exposed to the environment in any manner. The exterior orouter side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, however, isexposed to the ambient environment, including water. It is essential,then, that the regulator assembly gas delivery system remain dry bothduring its use when connected to a scuba tank as well as when it is notbeing used and is disconnected from a scuba tank. Otherwise,contaminants, such as salt water, fresh water, wash water, airborneparticulates and the like, will contaminate the assembly if allowed toenter the interior of the regulator assembly, such as at the gas inletopening. Such contamination can include the rusting and corrosion ofinternal metal air filters and other internal parts of the regulatorassembly as well as possibly clogging small apertures or orifices andthus preventing the regulator assembly from operating properly if evenat all.

[0009] While it is simple to observe how a regulator assembly can remaindry when fully installed to a scuba tank and in use, a problem occursonce the regulator assembly is disconnected from a tank after a dive isover. As previously mentioned, the gas in the tank is delivered to thefirst stage regulator member through a tank outlet valve. There are twobasic and most common types of valve connection arrangements between ascuba tank and the first stage regulator member which are standard inthe art. However, other less common connection arrangements are alsoavailable, such as those utilized in technical diving and rebreatherunits. The first typical connection is the most common and is known as ayoke connection wherein the first stage regulator member has a roundopening plugged by a metal filter surrounded by a raised collar with anO-ring thereabout. In this arrangement, the tank outlet valve has asmall aperture at the middle of a round recessed area, the raised collarsnugly fitting within the recessed area so that the O-ring is fittedagainst it. A yoke fitting is secured to the first stage regulatormember and surrounds the tank outlet valve and a hand knob is handtightened against the back of the tank valve to force the raised collaragainst the round recessed area so that the O-ring is snugly compressedtherebetween. The second common connection arrangement is called a DINvalve connection wherein the first stage regulator member simply screwsdirectly into the tank valve outlet opening using five or seven threadsdepending upon the pressure to be contained within the tank.

[0010] Heretofore, a dust and water cap has generally been used asstandard equipment for covering the opening of an air pressure inletvalve of the first-stage regulator member when the regulator is not inuse. The dust cover is typically either plastic or rubber and is held inplace by the yoke and hand knob. Moreover, the valve connection of theDIN valve arrangement as well as the alternate air source for theintermediate pressure hose also generally have removable caps whichcover the inlet opening when not in use. When a scuba diver completeshis or her diving, the gas cylinder valve is released from the regulatorinlet valve. At this time, ideally the dust and water cap is attached tothe top of the air inlet valve to prevent water and contaminates such asdescribed above from entering the air inlet valve and contaminating,rusting and/or corroding the internal air filter and other internalparts inside the valve. Unfortunately, as can be imaged, divers oftenforget to install the dust cap on the air inlet valve and/or the cap onthe alternate air regulator member inlet, and the internal regulatorfilter then becomes contaminated when the scuba equipment is washed downafter a dive or later when the valve is exposed to outdoor elements.This is particularly true of new or student divers. The contaminationcan cause a gas restriction inside the regulator assembly and apotential breathing hazard to the diver. Also, the gas restriction cancause the high pressure gas to break apart portions of the air filter,which can cause internal damage and failure of working parts inside theregulator assembly. Further, water entering the regulator assembly ateither the first or second stage regulator members can cause internalrusting and corrosion of the working parts and failure of the regulator.While significant technical advances have been made over the years sincethe advent of the scuba diving system, this problem of preventinginadvertent or negligent contamination of the regulator system has neverbeen satisfactorily addressed. In almost 60 years of scuba divingequipment development, a dust cover manually put into place by the diveris the best that has been achieved to date.

[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,257, 5,685,297 and 5,687,712 all disclosescuba diving regulator assemblies and valves therein, but none addressthe problem discussed above nor are they directed to regulator inletvalve construction in any particular manner. Consequently, there remainsa significant need in general and more specifically in the divingindustry, for a fluid, and in particular breathable gas, control systemthat will allow gas to flow into regulator members as required yetprevent any fluid or particulate contaminants from passing into theregulator inlet valves inadvertently without requiring one to rememberto physically place a cover or cap over the inlet valve when not in use.The present invention addresses this significant problem in fluid flowsystems in general and more particularly in the use of breathable gasregulators for scuba diving systems, oxygen delivery systems, emergencybreathing systems and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to providean improved fluid flow regulation device.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide aone-way control valve arrangement wherein fluid may flow through thevalve only at preset pressures.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valvearrangement for use with compressed gas wherein the valve prevents entryof any fluid or other particulate matter yet enables easy flow ofpressurized gas therethrough.

[0015] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aninlet valve construction for use in scuba regulator assemblies whichallows the free flow of gas to the diver yet prevents the entry of wateror other fluid as well as airborne contaminates.

[0016] A further object of the present invention is to provide an inletvalve assembly for use in both first and second stage members of scubaregulator assemblies which eliminates the need for separate coverelements to prevent the entry of water or other fluid as well asairborne contaminates into the regulator assembly.

[0017] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance withthe purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly describedherein, a fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes ahousing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluidoutlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within thepassageway for selectively opening and closing of the inlet opening tofluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at the inletopening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting abias force against the pressure responsive element which is sufficientto close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established levelof fluid pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element. A fluidfilter element is also disposed within the passageway; and a retainerdevice is positioned for removably securing the filter element withinthe passageway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form apart of the specification illustrate preferred embodiments of thepresent invention and, together with a description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical first-stage regulatormember of a yoke-style dual stage regulator assembly for a scuba divingunit incorporating a known prior art gas inlet valve arrangement;

[0020]FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG.1 taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a typical gas outlet yoke-styleconnection valve of a standard scuba tank as is well known in the art;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the first stage regulatormember of FIG. 1 connected to the gas outlet yoke-style connection valveof the standard scuba tank of FIG. 3;

[0023]FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one yoke-style inlet valveembodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 7-7 ofFIG. 5;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line8-8 of FIG. 5 and illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in a closedposition to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

[0027]FIG. 9 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8;

[0028]FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element ofFIG. 9 taken substantially along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0029]FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pressure responsive elementof FIG. 9 taken substantially along line 11-11 of FIG. 9

[0030]FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the spring containment sleeve ofFIG. 9 taken substantially along line 12-12 of FIG. 9;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 8but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position topermit fluid flow therethrough;

[0032]FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a first stage regulatormember with a yoke connection modified to include an inlet valveembodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention with itscomponents in position for mounting within the inlet portion thereof;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second yoke-styleinlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

[0034]FIG. 16 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 15;

[0035]FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 15but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position topermit fluid flow therethrough;

[0036]FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third yoke-styleinlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

[0037]FIG. 19 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 18;

[0038]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 18but illustrating this third inlet valve embodiment in an open positionto permit fluid flow therethrough;

[0039]FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth yoke-styleinlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the presentinvention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

[0040]FIG. 22 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 21;

[0041]FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 21but illustrating this fourth inlet valve embodiment in an open positionto permit fluid flow therethrough;

[0042]FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet anotheryoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with thepresent invention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flowtherethrough;

[0043]FIG. 25 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 24;

[0044]FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 24but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an openposition to permit fluid flow therethrough;

[0045]FIG. 27 is a side plan view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodimentand connection arrangement as constructed in accordance with the presentinvention;

[0046]FIG. 28 is a top plan view taken substantially along line 28-28 ofFIG. 27;

[0047]FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line 29-29of FIG.27;

[0048]FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line30-30 of FIG. 27 and illustrating this DIN-style inlet valve embodimentin a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;

[0049]FIG. 31 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theDIN-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG.30;

[0050]FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still anotheryoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with thepresent invention and in a closed position to prevent fluid flowtherethrough and particularly illustrating an alternate bias mechanism,FIG. 33 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theyoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG.32;

[0051]FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 32but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position topermit fluid flow therethrough;

[0052]FIG. 35 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of a secondstage, alternate gas regulator component of a known two stage regulatorassembly having a quick connect/disconnect junction;

[0053]FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a quick connect/disconnectjunction as illustrated in FIG. 35 but modified to incorporateintegrally therewith an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordancewith the present invention, the inlet valve embodiment being illustratedin a closed position to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough.

[0054]FIG. 37 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of theinlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 36;

[0055]FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 36but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an openposition to permit fluid flow therethrough;

[0056]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the first stage regulatorcomponent with a part in elevation of yet another known type ofyoke-style two stage regulator device for a scuba unit;

[0057]FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an inlet valve constructed inaccordance with the present invention and modified to replace thestandard inlet valve and yoke retainer of the first stage regulatorcomponent of FIG. 39;

[0058]FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the first stageregulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stageregulator device for a scuba unit; and

[0059]FIG. 42 is a partial sectional view of the unit illustrated inFIG. 41 modified to incorporate an inlet valve embodiment constructed inaccordance with the present invention as an integral portion of thefirst stage regulator component thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0060] The present invention is directed to a valve arrangement, bothremovable as well as integral, for controlling fluid flow in devices ofvarious types. More particularly, the valve of the present invention isdesigned as an inlet valve to enable one-way fluid flow into a devicewhile preventing undesirable materials from entering the device. Thepreferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in detailherein are particularly adapted for use in gas pressure regulators forscuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving units. Itshould be understood, however, that the present invention may beutilized with or incorporated as a part of any type of device orapparatus wherein fluid in the form of liquid or gas must enter thedevice under pressure. Other such examples may include fire, rescue andair emergency breathing units as well as oxygen units.

[0061] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a scuba unit 10 of standardwell-known design is illustrated having a regulator assembly 12 and atank 14 for compressed breathable gas. Typically, the scuba tank 14 is asteel or aluminum cylinder designed to contain compressed gas atsubstantial pressures, i.e. well over 3000 psi. The most preferredbreathable gas is simply compressed air. However, a variety of gasmixtures, such as nitrogen/oxygen blends commonly referred to as Nitroxas well as other gas blends which may include various other inert gases,are becoming more commonly used by the recreational scuba diver. Itshould be understood, therefore, that when the terms breathable gas orcompressed air are used in this application, such terms are intended toalso include other types of gas mixtures both common and uncommon to thescuba diving industry. Another compressed gas mixture which may benefitfrom the present invention includes argon which is occasionally used inconjunction with dry suit inflation rather than breathable gas mixtures.These applications will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0062] The tank 14 of the scuba unit 10 includes a gas inlet/outletvalve 16 which typically includes a valve body portion 18 threadableinto the tank 14, a hand operated control knob 20 for opening andclosing the valve 16, and an inlet/outlet opening 22. In one form oftank valve connection, that is the yoke-type valve, the opening 22generally includes a recessed area 24 which contains a small orifice 26that communicates with the interior of the tank 14 through the valvebody portion 18. An annular ridge 28 surrounds the recess 24 to form anannular groove wherein a removable O-ring 30 is provided between theridge 28 and the recess 24. This arrangement insures an airtight sealwith any device that is secured to the opening 22. This particulararrangement for the valve 16 is for attachment to a yoke-type regulatoras described below. The other basic tank inlet/outlet arrangement (notillustrated) is designed for attachment to a DIN valve, and in thisembodiment the ridge 28 is in the form of a collar which projectssubstantially outwardly from the valve body 18 and includes threads thatare designed for threaded engagement with a DIN valve regulator asdescribed further below.

[0063] The regulator assembly 12 is a dual or two-stage regulator andtypically includes a first stage regulator member 32 and a second stageregulator member 33. The first stage regulator member 32 is removablysecured to the tank valve outlet 22 and is designed to reduce the gaspressure from the tank 14 of 3000 or more psi to an intermediate gaspressure of approximately 140 psi. The intermediate pressure gas thenpasses through a hose 36 to the second stage regulator member 33,wherein the gas pressure is further reduced to ambient pressure which isdependent upon the depth of the scuba diver. In this manner, the divercan readily breathe the gas from the second stage regulator member 33 atany depth.

[0064] In a yoke-type regulator, the housing 34 includes a gas inletopening 38 which is surrounded by a raised collar or flange 40. A metalfilter member 42 is positioned within the housing 34 below the opening38 for the purpose of filtering any and all gas and other materialsentering the opening 38. A C-clip 44 is utilized to hold the filter 42in the opening 38. A nut 46 maintains a yoke 48 in position at theopening 38. The yoke 48 is typically a U-shaped or an A-shaped elementthat is sized sufficiently to permit the tank valve 16 to be positionedbetween the collar 40 and the top of the yoke 48. A hand knob 50 with ascrew member 52 passes through the top of the yoke 48 in is designed totighten against the backside 53 of the tank valve 16 to press the collar40 against the ridge 28 and O-ring 30 of the tank valve 16 to secure thetwo members together. In certain regulator designs, the nut 46, thecollar 40, the filter 42 and the C-clip 44 are all part of a valvehousing which is threadably secured within a bore disposed in theregulator housing 32. In other designs, these components areindividually mounted within the bore as an integral part of the housing32.

[0065] As is clearly evident, when the first stage regulator member 32is not secured to a tank valve 16, liquid and other contaminantsincluding airborne particulates can enter the inlet opening 38 and passinto the filter 42 and the rest of the regulator assembly 12. Since itis a recommended procedure to thoroughly rinse or soak all scuba divingequipment in clean fresh water after each use, entry of water into theinlet opening 38 would prove disastrous to the proper operation of theregulator assembly 12. This is because water will rust and corrode theinternal metal components of the regulator assembly 12 as well as damageother attached components such as a dive computer, and particulatecontaminants can block small orifices and otherwise cause galvanic orother reactions within the regulator assembly 12, all of which will atleast negatively affect the operation of the regulator and possiblycause it or its attached components to fail entirely. It would be adangerous situation if the first stage regulator member failed duringits use by a scuba diver while under water.

[0066] This problem has been well recognized since the advent of thescuba unit, and for well over 50 years the answer has been to provide adust cover 54. The dust cover 54 is generally made of plastic or rubberand is removably positioned over or against the collar 40 when the firststage regulator member 32 is not in use. The screw 52 is tightenedagainst the top 56 of the dust cover 54 to press the dust cover 54firmly against the inlet opening 38, thereby preventing entry of waterand other contaminants. A similar removable cap arrangement is utilizedfor the second stage regulator alternate air source as described below.Unfortunately, it is a common mistake to forget to place the dust cover54 over the inlet opening 38 before rinsing the regulator assembly 12,thereby flooding the first or second stage regulator members 32, 33.Alternatively, the dust cover 54 may be positioned properly but is notsufficiently tight to prevent entry of water into the inlet opening 38.The present invention obviates the requirement for the dust cover 54 andthe entire problem inherent with its use.

[0067] The fluid flow control valve of the present invention can beconstructed and designed as a separate valve unit which is threadablysecured within a regulator member housing. Alternatively, the valveassembly of the present invention can be formed as an integral part ofthe regulator assembly housing so that only the individual componentsare removable rather then the entire valve assembly containing theindividual components as in the first instance. Therefore, it should beunderstood that while the specific embodiments illustrated herein may bein one form or the other, the present invention is not to bespecifically limited to either form. Moreover, while the specificembodiments illustrated and discussed below are specific adaptations foruse with a scuba diving regulator assembly, the present invention is notto be limited thereby and may be utilized with any type of fluid inletcontrol valve wherein the fluid is under compression. Thus, the presentinvention should be limited only by the claims as set forth at the endof this application and as interpreted in view of the prior art.

[0068] Referring now with particularity to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 6-14, a fluid flow control valve 60 includes a housing 62 having atop or inlet end 64, a central shaft 65 and a bottom or outlet end 66.The housing 62 may be made of any suitable water-resistant material andis preferably galvanized metal. The inlet end 64 of the housing 62 isthe functional equivalent of the inlet opening 38 illustrated in FIGS. 1& 2. The housing shaft 65 includes a threaded portion 68 which isdesigned to engage a bore 69 (FIG. 14) disposed within the first stageregulator housing 34. A nut-shaped portion 70 is the functionalequivalent of the nut 46 illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 and is designed toassist in threadably engaging the valve housing 62 into the regulatorhousing 34 as well as to hold the yoke 48 in position. A removableO-ring 72 is provided to help maintain a watertight seal and keep theinterior of the regulator housing 34 dry as well as prevent the escapeof pressurized gas. A raised collar 74 is provided for engagementagainst the O-ring 30 of the tank valve inlet opening 22, and a groove76 is disposed radially inwardly from the collar 74 to assist in theengagement of collar 74 against the tank valve inlet opening 22 as wellas providing a channel for draining loose water away from the inletopening. This enables the inlet end 64 to remain free from water toprevent its inadvertent entry into the housing 62.

[0069] An axial bore 78 extends along the interior length of the housing62. The diameter “y” of the bore 78 is substantially uniform along itsentire length except for the portion adjacent the upper or inlet end 64.The end opening the 80 of the bore 78 has a diameter “x” narrower thanthe diameter “y” of the bore 80. In preferred form, an annular curvedradial lip 82 is formed in the upper end portion of the bore 78 so as tonarrow the diameter “y” of the bore 78 gradually to form the opening 80having a diameter “x”. An annular internal groove 84 is provided withinthe bore 78 proximate the lower or bottom end portion 66 of the housing62 and is sized to mount a removable C-clip 86 therein.

[0070] A pressure responsive member or element 88 is positioned withinthe bore 78 proximate the upper or inlet end 64. In this particularembodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is in the form of apiston 90 having a head portion 92 terminating in an upper curvedsurface 94 which seals against the lip 82 and projects outwardly fromthe opening 80. This outward projection also assists in keeping wateraway from the junction of the opening 80. It should be understood thatwhile curved upper surfaces at the end of the pressure responsiveelement 88, such as the surface 94, are preferred and illustratedthroughout this application, other surface shapes and arrangements maybe used to plug or seal the opening 80.

[0071] An internal pocket 96 is formed in the lower portion of thepiston 90 and terminates in an end opening 98. A plurality of fluidchanneling elements preferably in the form of longitudinal channels orgrooves 100 are disposed along the outer surface of the piston 90 andextend from the end opening 98 and terminate short of the upper curvedsurface 94. In this manner, fluid cannot flow along the channels 100unless the head portion 92 has been disengaged from the lip 82 and theopening 80. In preferred form, a bias mechanism in the form of a coiledspring 102 is provided and is sized to fit within the pocket 96. Theupper end portion 104 of the coiled spring 102 terminates at the upperend portion of the pocket 96, while the lower end portion 106 of thecoiled spring 102 extends outwardly from the pocket 96. In preferredform, a spring containment sleeve 108 is provided having an internalcavity 110 for receiving the lower end portion 106 of the coiled spring102. The sleeve 108 terminates a base portion 110 which includes aplurality of notches 112 which are preferably sized and spaced accordingto the longitudinal channels 100 of the piston 90. A metal filterelement 114 having an enlarged base 115 is provided below thecontainment sleeve 108 and is sized and shaped to block the entire bore78 so that any fluid passing through the bore 78 must pass through thefilter 114. The c-clip 86 is preferably positioned within the annulargroove 84 below the metal filter 114.

[0072] Referring particularly to FIG. 8, the inlet valve 60 isillustrated in a closed position wherein the upper curved surface 94 ofthe piston 90 is in firm contact with the annular lip 82 so as to sealthe opening 80 to the bore 78. The bias mechanism in the preferred formof the coil spring 102 creates a bias force against the piston 90 andthe bottom of the containment sleeve 108 so as to press the uppersurface 94 against the internal lip 82. The containment sleeve 108, thefilter 114 and the c-clip 86 are all sized, shaped and positioned sothat the bias mechanism 102 provides sufficient bias force to close thepiston 90 against the lip 82 and seal the opening 80. In this closedposition, neither fluid, liquid or particulate matter of any kind canpass into the bore 78 through the inlet 80.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 13, when a compressive force is exerted axiallyagainst the upper surface 94 of the piston 90 and is of sufficientstrength to overcome the bias force of the spring 102, the piston 90moves axially into the bore 78. This movement of the piston 90disengages the upper surface 94 from the annular lip 82 thereby openingthe end 80. Fluid may then pass through the opening 80 and into the bore78. The channels 100 and the notches 112 permit such fluid entering theopening 80 to pass along the exterior length of the piston 90 and thecontainment sleeve 108, through the filter 114, and to exit out the endopening 116 of the bore 78.

[0074] As a result of the above arrangement and referring now to FIG.14, when the valve 60 forms the inlet opening for a first stageregulator member 32, the normally closed position of the valve 60resulting from the bias force of the spring member 102 as illustrated inFIG. 8 prevents water and airborne particulates from entering the firststage regulator housing. This construction eliminates the need for thedust cap 54 in that the piston 90 which is engaged against the annularlip 82 will seal the inlet valve 60 from any exterior fluid orcontaminant material. When a first stage regulator member 32 containingthe valve 60 of the present invention is attached to a scuba tank outletvalve 16, however, the force from the compressed gas in the tank 14overcomes the bias force of the spring 102 to press the piston 90 intothe bore 78. This action permits the compressed gas to pass through thebore 78, out the exit opening 116 and into the regulator housing 34. Thebias force of the spring 102 may be adjusted to any desired strength.However, in order to permit the maximum amount of breathable gas fromthe tank 14 to be utilized by a scuba diver through the first stageregulator member, the bias force is preferably set as low as possibleyet of sufficient strength to firmly engage the upper surface 94 againstthe annular lip 82 to close the opening 80 when the first stageregulator member 12 is not attached to a scuba tank 14. While this biasstrength force may be selected at any level, a minimum force ofpreferably 5-10 psi should probably be established to preventinadvertent entry of fluid or contaminants into the bore 78 andregulator member 32 when the regulator member 32 is disconnected from ascuba tank outlet valve 16. It should be understood, however, that thisminimum force is a variable which may be selected and adjusted asneeded.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 15-17, a second embodiment of the fluidflow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. Thisembodiment is preferably in the form of a valve member 118 that includesa housing 62 constructed substantially identical to the prior embodimentof FIGS. 5-14. The housing 62 of this embodiment includes the upper orinlet end portion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, a central bore78, an annular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening 80, and anexit opening 116. In this particular embodiment, the bias mechanism isalso a coil spring 102. However, in this embodiment, the lower endportion 106 of the spring 102 is positioned around the filter member 114against the base 115 thereof. There is no spring containment sleeve inthis embodiment. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is engagedwith a pressure responsive element 88 as in the prior embodiment.

[0076] In this particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88is preferably in the form of a solid piston head 120 having an uppercurved surface 122 similar to the surface 94 of the prior embodiment. Aplurality of axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 124 formfluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves100 of the prior embodiment. However, the bottom portion 126 of thepiston head 120 includes a raised element 128 which forms an annularshoulder 130. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized tosurround the shoulder 130 to securely engage the end portion 126 of thepiston head 120. When the valve member 118 is in its closed position asillustrated in FIG. 15, the piston head upper surface 122 engages theannular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force isexerted axially against the piston head upper surface 122, the pistonhead is moved into the bore 78 as with the prior embodiment to allow thefluid to pass through the opening 80, through the channels 124, throughthe filter 114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valvemember 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting thepressure on the piston head upper surface 122 is preferably compressedbreathable gas.

[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 18-20, a third embodiment of the fluidflow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. Thisembodiment is preferably in the form of a valve member 132 that includesa housing 62 constructed substantially identical to the priorembodiments for FIGS. 5-17. The housing 62 of this embodiment includesthe upper or inlet end portion 64, an bottom or outlet end portion 66, acentral bore 78, an annular inner lip 82 forming a narrowed end opening80, and an exit opening 116. In this embodiment, the bias mechanism isalso a coil spring 102, and the lower end portion 106 of the spring 102is positioned to be engaged within a spring containment sleeve 108having a base portion 110 with notches 112, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 5-14. In this particular embodiment, however, the filter member134 is substantially flat as opposed to the conical shape of the priorembodiments, the c-clip 86 holding all the internal components of thevalve 132 in place within the bore 78. The upper end portion 104 of thespring 102 is engaged with a pressure responsive element 88 as in theprior embodiments.

[0078] In this particular embodiment the pressure responsive element 88is in the form of a solid element 136 having an upper curved surface 138similar to the surfaces 94 and 122 of the prior embodiments. A pluralityof axially aligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 140 form fluidchanneling elements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 100and 124 of the prior embodiments. However, the bottom portion 142 of theelement 136 includes a plunger mechanism 144 having a shaft 146extending downwardly from the bottom 142 and an annular foot 148. Theupper end portion 104 of the spring 102 engages the foot 148 to exertand transfer the bias force from the spring 102 to the element 136. Whenthe valve member 132 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG.18, the element upper surface 138 engages the annular lip 82 so as toclose the opening 80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against theelement upper surface 138, the element 136 is moved into the bore 78 aswith the prior embodiments to allow the fluid to pass through theopening 80, through the channels 140, through the notches 112, throughthe filter 134 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valvemember 118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting thepressure on the element upper surface 138 is preferably compressedbreathable gas. When the fluid pressure ceases to be exerted against theelement upper surface 138, the bias force from the spring mechanism 102pushes the element 136 axially so as to reengage the upper surface 138with the annular lip 82 thereby closing the valve 132.

[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 21-23, a fourth embodiment of the fluidflow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. Thisparticular embodiment includes a valve member 150 that is substantiallyidentical to the valve member 118 of FIGS. 15-17 except for theconstruction of the pressure responsive element 88. In this embodimentas with all the embodiments, like numerals designate like parts. In thisparticular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is in the formof a solid piston head 152 having an upper curved surface 154 similar tothe surface 122 of the embodiment of FIGS. 15-17. A plurality of axiallyaligned and spaced longitudinal grooves 156 form fluid channelingelements and operate in the same manner as the grooves 124 of the priorembodiment. However, the bottom portion 158 of the piston head 152includes an annular, radially recessed groove 160 which forms a radialshoulder 162. The upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 is sized tosurround the shoulder 162 and seat in the groove 160 to securely engagethe end portion 158 of the piston head 152. When the valve member 150 isin its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 21, the piston head uppersurface 154 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80.When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston head uppersurface 154, the piston head is moved into the bore 78 as with the priorembodiment to allow the fluid to pass through the bore 78, through thechannels 156, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116.Again, when the valve member 150 is utilized with a scuba regulator, thefluid exerting the pressure on the piston head upper surface 154 ispreferably compressed breathable gas.

[0080] Yet another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIGS. 24-26. This embodimentincludes a valve member 164 that is substantially similar to the valvemember 150 of the prior embodiment of FIGS. 21-23 except for theconstruction of the pressure responsive element 88. In this particularembodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is preferably in the formof an orb or ball 166 having a continuous curved outer surface, anyportion of which may serve as an upper curved surface 168 similar to thesurface 154 of the embodiment of FIGS. 21-23. The ball 166 is sized tohave a diameter greater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yetsmaller than the diameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 166 is seated inthe upper end portion 104 of the spring 102 and held in position on thespring 102. When the valve member 164 is in its closed position asillustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of the surface of the ball 166 engagesthe annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When a fluid force isexerted axially against the ball upper surface 168 projecting slightlybeyond the opening 80, the ball 166 is moved into the bore 78 as withthe prior embodiments. The fluid is then allowed to pass into the bore78, past the outer surface of the ball 166 which has a narrower diameterthan the bore 78, through the filter 114 and out the exit opening 116.Again, when the valve member 164 is utilized with a scuba regulator, thefluid exerting the pressure on the ball upper surface 168 is preferablycompressed breathable gas.

[0081] Referring now to FIGS. 32-34, still another embodiment of thefluid flow control valve of the present invention is illustrated. Thisembodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 and includesa valve member 170 having a housing 62 structured substantiallyidentical to the prior embodiments. The internal components of the valvemember 170 are similar to those of the valve member 164 illustrated inFIGS. 24-26 except for the construction of the spring bias element 172and its connection to the pressure responsive or sensing member 88. Inthis particular embodiment, the pressure responsive element 88 is againpreferably in the form of an orb or ball 174 having a continuous curvedouter surface. The spring bias element 172 includes an upper end portion176 projecting from a spring lever arm 178, and a base cage portion 180.The cage portion 180 is sized and shaped to slidingly fit over a conicalshaped metal filter 114 and rest on the filter base 115. The ball 174 isfixed to the distal end of the end portion 176.

[0082] The ball 174 is fixed to the upper portion 176 of the spring biaselement lever arm 178 so that a portion of its upper outer surface mayserve as an upper curved surface 182 similar to the surface 168 of theembodiment of FIGS. 24-26. The ball 174 is sized to have a diametergreater than the diameter “x” of the opening 80, yet smaller than thediameter “y” of the bore 78. The ball 178 is fixed to the upper distalend of the lever arm 178 so that when the valve member 170 is in itsclosed position as illustrated in FIG. 32, the ball upper curved surface182 engages the annular lip 82 so as to close the opening 80. When afluid force is exerted axially against the ball upper surface 182projecting slightly beyond the opening 80, the ball 174 is movedangularly into the bore 78 controlled by the lever arm 178. The fluid isthen allowed to pass into the bore 78, past the outer surface of theball 174 having a narrower diameter than the bore 78, through the filter114 and out the exit opening 116. Again, when the valve member 170 isutilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on theball upper surface 182 is preferably compressed breathable gas. Uponcessation of the axial force from the compressed gas or other fluid, thelever arm 178 moves the ball 174 back into its closed position whereinthe upper surface 182 engages the annular lip 82 and closes the opening80.

[0083] Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, another embodiment of the inventionis illustrated wherein it is adapted for use in a DIN valve arrangement.As previously explained, the DIN valve 184 includes a housing 186 withrear exterior thread members 188 that are designed to screw the housing184 into a first stage regulator housing similar to the housing 32 ofFIG. 1, only adapted for a DIN-style valve rather than a yoke-stylevalve. A separate attachment element 190 is designed to slide over thehousing 184 and engage the nut portion 192 of the housing 184. Theexterior threads 194 are designed to screw into a compatible aperturelocated in the outlet/inlet valve housing 16 of a scuba tank cylinder14. The aforementioned elements of the DIN-style housing 184 are allstandard features well known to the art. However, the remaining featuresof the valve 184 including the internal components thereof are alladapted in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0084] The upper or fluid inlet end portion 196 of the housing 186includes the nut 192, and the lower or fluid outlet end portion 198 ofthe housing 186 includes the exterior threads 188. A center shaftportion 200 interconnects the inlet portion 196 with the outlet portion198. The upper end portion 196 includes an annular groove 202 disposedin the end surface 204 of the nut 192, and an O-ring 206 is disposedwithin the groove 202. An end collar 208 projects outwardly from thesurface 204 of the nut 192. A central bore 210 is disposed within thehousing 186 similar to the bore 78 of the prior embodiments and has adiameter “y”. The bore 210 includes an inlet opening 212 having adiameter “x” which is less than the diameter “y” of the bore 210, againsimilar to the prior embodiments. The end opening 212 is disposed in thecollar 208 and defines a curved annular interior lip 214. A pressureresponsive or sensitive element 88, a spring bias mechanism 102 and aspring containment sleeve 108 similar to those of FIGS. 513 arepreferably utilized within the bore 210 of the housing 186 of thepresent embodiment. Due to the fact that DIN-type valves 184 areconsiderably longer than yoke-type valves 60, a tubular spacer element216 is positioned between the bottom of the containment sleeve base 112and the base plate 115 of the fibrous metal filter 114. A c-clip 86 isutilized to maintain the position of all the aforementioned componentswithin the bore 210.

[0085] As described in the previous embodiments, the pressure responsiveelement 88 preferably in the form of a piston 92 includes a curved uppersurface 94. The upper surface 94 is shaped to firmly engage the innerannular lip 214 when the valve 184 is in its closed position asillustrated in FIG. 30. When fluid pressure, as in the form ofcompressed gas from a scuba tank, is exerted in an inward axialdirection against the surface 94 of the piston 92 and is of sufficientstrength to overcome the bias force applied by the spring 102, thespring 102 is compressed and the piston 92 moved axially inwardly intothe bore 210. When this occurs, the fluid may then pass through theopening 212, through the fluid channels or grooves 100, through thenotches 112, through the interior of the spacer 216, through the fibrousmetal filter 114 and out the exit opening 218. As with the priorembodiments, undesirable fluids and particulate material cannot enterthe valve 184 when it is in its closed position due to the bias force ofthe spring 102 against the piston 92. However, when pressurized fluid,such as in the form of compressed gas or air from a scuba tank, isexerted against the surface 94 of the piston 92, the piston 92 is movedand the gas or air passes through the valve 184 and into the first stageregulator.

[0086] Referring now to FIGS. 35-38, a second stage regulator member 220is illustrated in the form of an alternate air or gas source aspreviously described. The illustrated regulator member 220 includes anair inflator valve 222 for controlling inflation of a buoyancy controldevice (not illustrated) typical in the art, and a quick disconnectvalve 224. The quick disconnect valve 224 of standard exterior design isarranged for connecting an intermediate pressure hose such as hose 226of FIG. 4 to the second stage regulator member 220. As previouslydescribed, the second stage regulator member 220 is designed to reducethe intermediate pressure of the compressed breathable gas from the hose226 to ambient pressure so that a diver may readily breathe it through amouth piece 228. The valve 224 includes a housing 230 which isthreadably positioned within the regulator member 220. The housing 230includes an inlet end portion 232 and an outlet end portion 234. Theoutlet end portion 234 includes exterior thread members 236 forengagement with a receiver nut 238 which is part of the regulatorassembly 220. A pair flanges 240, 242 and a pair of O-rings 244, 246assist in maintaining the valve housing 230 within the regulator member220.

[0087] The housing 230 preferably includes an interior axial bore 248which extends the length thereof. As in the prior embodiments, the axialbore 248 has a diameter “y” and terminates at the inlet end portion 232in an inlet opening 250, which has a narrower diameter “x”. An interiorannular lip 252 is formed at the inlet portion 232 to define the opening250. A pressure responsive or sensitive element 254 is preferably formedas a piston 256 having elongated channeling elements 258 in the form ofgrooves along the exterior surface thereof. An upper curved surface 260is sized and shaped to engage the annular lip 252 so as to seal theopening 250 when the valve 224 is in its closed position as illustratedin FIG. 36. The spring bias member 262 is provided for engaging theinterior of the piston 256 at its upper end portion 264. The lower endportion 266 of the spring bias member 262 is positioned within acontainment sleeve 268 having a base 270 with fluid passage notches 272.The base 270 of the containment sleeve 268 rests against a fibrousmetallic filter 114, and a C-clip 86 is utilized as in the priorembodiments to maintain the components discussed above within thecentral bore 248. When an intermediate hose 226 is attached to the inletend portion 232 of the valve 224 and compressed gas introduced therein,the pressure from the gas against the upper surface 260 of the piston254 presses the piston 254 into the bore 248 (see FIG. 38) against theforce of the bias member 262. As in prior embodiments, the compressedgas can then enter the inlet opening 250 to pass along the grooves 258into the central bore 248, through the notches 272, through the filter114 and then out the exit opening 274.

[0088] Referring now to FIGS. 39 & 40, a standard and known first stageregulator member 276 is illustrated. The regulator member 276 includesan inlet opening 278 which contains a standard metal filter therein. Anend cap or yoke retainer element 280 is utilized to seal the regulatorend opening 278. This regulator member 280 may be modified for use withthe present invention as illustrated in FIG. 40. In this instance, theend cap or yoke retainer nut 280 and the metal filter within the opening278 are removed. In their place, an inlet valve 282 is inserted into theopening 278. The valve 282 includes a housing 284 having threads 286 andO-ring elements 288, 290 to engage the threads 292 to secure the housing284 to the regulator member 276. A tubular element 294 extendsdownwardly from the upper surface 296 of the housing 282. The tubularelement 294 includes a central bore 298 which extends the entire lengththereof and terminates at the inlet end portion 296 in an opening 300which has a narrower diameter than the bore 298, as in the priorembodiments. A pressure responsive element 302 includes an upper curvedsurface 304 which engages an annular inner lip 306 when in the closedposition as illustrated in FIG. 40. A plurality of elongated channelinggrooves 308 are disposed along the surface of the piston member 302. Abiasing mechanism in the form of a coil spring 310 is positioned withinthe piston 302 and extends into a sleeve containment member 312. A flatfibrous metallic filter the form of a wafer-like structure 314 ispositioned below the containment sleeve 312, and a c-clip 86 is utilizedto maintain the internal components within the central bore 298. Again,when fluid pressure is exerted against the upper curved surface 304 ofthe piston member 302, the piston 302 is pressed into the bore 298 toenable the pressurized fluid to pass through the channeling grooves 308,through the filter 314 and out the exit opening 316.

[0089] Referring now to FIGS. 41 & 42, another embodiment of the presentinvention is illustrated wherein the present invention is in the form ofan integral valve arrangement disposed within a regulator housing. Morespecifically, a first stage regulator member 320 of standard designincludes a housing 322, a plurality of high and low pressure outlets324, 326, and an inlet element 328. A diaphragm (not illustrated) istypically positioned within the housing 322 below the inlet element 328.A high-pressure seat 330 is disposed within the housing 322 on thehigh-pressure side of the diaphragm. A pin 332 and a pin support 334 areprovided for engaging the high-pressure seat 330. A spring 336, anO-ring 338 and a backup ring 340 are all disposed about thehigh-pressure seat 330. A spring block 342 is provided for engaging theupper end of the high-pressure seat 330. A second spring element 344 ispositioned on the upper end of the spring block 342, and a filter member346 is positioned thereon and maintained in place by a c-clip 86. An endcap 348, a yoke 48, a hand knob 50 and a dust cover 54 are also allprovided. As can be seen by this assembly, the integral valve componentswithin the valve housing 322 are all potentially exposed to water andsolid contaminants if the dust cover 54 is not properly positioned aspreviously described.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. 42, the standard regulator 320 of FIG. 41has been modified to incorporate the present invention as an integralpart thereof. In this particular embodiment, the regulator member 350includes a housing 352 having an inlet end portion 354. The housing 352includes a central bore 356 which passes axially along the lengththereof. An end cap 358 is threadably engageable with the base of thehousing 352. A diaphragm of standard design 360 is positioned at theinner surface of the end cap 358. Disposed within the lower portion ofthe bore 356 within the housing 352 is a pin 332, a pin support 334, ahigh-pressure seat 330, a high-pressure seat spring element 336, anO-ring 338, the backup ring 340, and a spring block 342, all componentsstandard to the known regulator member 320. In this particular inembodiment, however, a pressure responsive or sensitive element in theform of a piston 362 is positioned within the bore 356 at the inlet endportion 354. The piston 362 includes an upper curved surface 364, and aninner annular lip 366 is provided to define the end opening 368 of thebore 356. The diameter of the end opening 368 is less than the diameterof the bore 356 as in the prior embodiments. In this manner, the uppercurved surface 364 of the piston 362 engages the annular lip 366 to sealthe end opening 368 when the valve 350 is in its closed position asillustrated in the FIG. 42.

[0091] The lower end portion of the piston member 362 includes aprojection 370 having a diameter less than the piston member 362 therebyforming an annular shoulder 372. A bias mechanism 374 preferably in theform of a coil spring is positioned between the piston element 362 andthe filter 346, the upper end portion of the spring 374 being disposedabout the annular shoulder 372. A removable high-pressure crown 376 withan O-ring 378 is provided below the high-pressure seat 330. A spacerelement 380 is positioned between the crown 376, and a c-clip 86 isprovided to maintain all the components in position within the bore 372.Finally, an intermediate spring 382 is provided on the intermediatepressure side of the diaphragm 360 and is disposed within the tightenerelement 384 which is engageable within the end cap 358. The tightenermember 384 can be utilized to adjust the intermediate pressure of thediaphragm 360. As a result of this construction, the piston element 362maintains the opening 368 in a sealed condition as a result of the biasfrom the spring 374. Once the housing 350 is attached to a source ofpressurized gas, the force from the pressurized gas against the curvedsurface 364 presses the piston element 362 into the bore 356 to allowcompressed gas to pass into the bore 356 and against the diaphragm 360.

[0092] As can be seen from the above, the present invention solves aproblem which has existed from the very beginning of the sport of scubadiving. The present invention provides for a relatively simple yet veryeffective arrangement for preventing the inadvertent entry of water andother contaminants into the first or second stage regulator members of ascuba diving unit. The present invention eliminates the need for amanual dust cap and, more importantly, for the requirement that the userof a scuba diving unit remember to place the dust cap In position priorto cleaning and/or storing the equipment. The present invention can beconstructed in any number of different forms so as to be compatible withvirtually every type of first stage regulator member presentlymanufactured and sold The present invention can be in the form of anindependent valve member which may be utilized to retrofit existingfirst stage regulator members as well as used with newly manufacturedregulator assemblies. In the alternative, the present invention can beconstructed as an integral part of a regulator member with itscomponents readily accessible for repair and/or replacement.

[0093] The present invention may also be utilized with second stageregulators when in the form of alternate air sources. Additionally, thepresent invention may be utilized with any type of gas used in the scubadiving industry, including all types of breathable gas mixtures as wellas other types of systems that are used in scuba diving but notnecessarily for breathing. Specifically, cylinders of compressed argonare utilized to inflate dry suits and are separate and apart from thebreathing mixture for a scuba diver. The present invention may beutilized with the gas regulator for such compressed argon systems.Moreover, extended range scuba divers require the use of multiplecompressed breathing gas tanks for decompression purposes. As such, thescuba diver, when performing such extended range functions, must changeregulator connections between tanks while underwater. Heretofore, thisprocess flooded the regulators, creating initial breathing problems aswell as creating the difficulty of cleaning and drying the internalcomponents of the regulators after the extended range dive wasconcluded. The present invention obviates these problems and permitseasy changing of compressed gas bottles while underwater. Moreover, thepresent invention may also be utilized in an inlet valve arrangement forrebreather scuba units.

[0094] Finally, it should be understood that while the present inventionwas initially developed for the scuba diving industry, it has muchbroader implications and applications. It can be utilized with any typeof fluid flow environment and device and should not be simply limited togaseous fluids. Any type of device or system wherein fluid underpressure is directed into a one-way inlet valve may benefit from thepresent invention by being adapted in accordance therewith. Therefore,the present invention should not be limited by the specificillustrations and embodiments described in detail above.

[0095] The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of thepresent invention have been described in detail in varying modificationsand alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that theforegoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to theclaims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the inventionillustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absenceof any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

I claim:
 1. A fluid flow control valve comprising: a housing defining acentral passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings; apressure responsive element disposed within said passageway forselectively opening and closing said inlet opening to fluid flow inresponse to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening; amechanism disposed within said passageway for exerting a bias forceagainst said pressure responsive element sufficient to close said inletopening to fluid flow absent a preestablished level of fluid pressureexerted on said pressure responsive element; a fluid filter elementdisposed within said passageway; and a retainer device for removablysecuring said filter element within said passageway.
 2. The valve asclaimed in claim 1, wherein said housing includes an attachment portionproximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source ofhigh-pressure fluid.
 3. The valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidfluid comprises gas and said attachment portion is adapted for selectivecoupling to a tank of compressed gas.
 4. The valve as claimed in claim1, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a fluid stopmember having an upper end portion adapted for retractable engagementwith said inlet opening.
 5. The valve as claimed in claim 4, whereinsaid fluid stop member includes at least one fluid channeling elementfor directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening whensaid fluid stop member is disengaged from said inlet opening.
 6. Thevalve as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluid stop member comprises apiston element having a lower end portion opposite said upper endportion and which is adapted for operative engagement with said biasforce exerting mechanism.
 7. The valve as claimed in claim 6, whereinsaid piston element includes an outer peripheral surface between saidupper and lower end portions, and at least one fluid channeling elementassociated with said piston element for directing fluid into saidpassageway from said inlet opening when said piston element isdisengaged from said inlet opening.
 8. The valve as claimed in claim 7,wherein said fluid channeling element comprises an elongated groovedisposed along said piston element outer peripheral surface.
 9. Thevalve as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluid stop member comprises anorb having a width dimension less than the width dimension of saidpassageway and greater than the width dimension of said inlet opening.10. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bias exertingmechanism comprises a resilient member.
 11. The valve as claimed inclaim 10, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a coil springand a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portionengaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite endportion mounted in said containment sleeve.
 12. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said filter element is disposed between said biasexerting mechanism and said retainer device proximate said outletopening.
 13. A fluid pressure-regulated inlet valve comprising: a valvehousing defining a central bore, a fluid inlet opening and a fluidoutlet opening; a pressure regulated control element disposed withinsaid housing bore proximate said inlet opening and mounted for movementbetween a closed position wherein said control element is engaged withsaid inlet opening to seal said bore, and an open position wherein saidcontrol element is disengaged from said inlet opening enabling fluid topass through said bore; a biasing mechanism for urging said pressureregulated control element to its closed position, said mechanism havinga bias force of pre-selected strength requiring pressure from anexterior fluid force on said pressure regulated control element at saidinlet opening of a strength exceeding said pre-selected bias forcestrength to disengage said control element from said inlet opening andmove it to its open position; a fluid filter disposed within said boreadapted to filter any fluid passing through said bore; and a retainermember for securing said fluid filter within said housing bore.
 14. Theinlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said housing includes anattachment portion proximate said fluid inlet opening for selectivecoupling to a source of compressed gas.
 15. The inlet valve as claimedin claim 13, wherein said pressure regulated control element comprises apiston element having a head portion with a curved upper outer surfaceadapted for retractable engagement with said fluid inlet opening, aperipheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operativeengagement with said biasing mechanism, said piston element including atleast one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said borefrom said fluid inlet opening when said piston head portion is in saidopen position.
 16. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein saidfluid channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed alongthe length of said piston element peripheral outer surface.
 17. Theinlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pressure regulatedcontrol element comprises a spherical member having a diameter less thanthe width dimension of said central bore and greater than the widthdimension of said fluid inlet opening.
 18. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring and aspring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portionoperatively attached to said pressure regulated control element and theopposite end portion mounted within said containment sleeve.
 19. Theinlet valve as claimed in claim 13 wherein said fluid filter is conicalin shape and disposed between said pressure regulated control elementand said fluid outlet opening.
 20. The inlet valve as claimed in claim13, wherein said fluid filter is in the form of a substantially flatcylinder and disposed between said pressure regulated control elementand said fluid outlet opening.
 21. An inlet valve for a gas pressureregulator to couple the regulator to a source of pressurized gas, saidvalve comprising: a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet andoutlet openings defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having anattachment portion disposed at said gas inlet opening adapted forengagement with a source of pressurized gas; a pressure responsiveelement mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening andadapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct toprevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position foropening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and passthrough said duct; a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting apreselected bias force against said pressure responsive element tomaintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in theabsence of gas pressure from outside said housing at said gas inletopening in excess of said preselected bias force; a gas filter memberdisposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element;and a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said biasforce exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element allwithin said duct.
 22. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein saidpressure regulator is a first stage regulator adapted to selectivelyengage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurizedbreathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachmentportion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inletopening, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar andvalve housing gas inlet opening against the gas outlet portion of thepressurized breathable gas container.
 23. The valve as claimed in claim21, wherein said pressure regulator is a first stage regulator adaptedto selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled withpressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housingattachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly fromsaid gas inlet opening, and a threaded connection knob for removablyengaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet opening with thegas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.
 24. Thevalve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said source of pressurized gas isa gas hose, and said pressure regulator is a second stage regulatoradapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of the gas hosedelivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure for use as analternate gas source in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachmentportion comprising a quick connect element associated with said gasinlet opening for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose,said housing further including a threaded member for attaching saidvalve housing gas outlet opening to the second stage regulator.
 25. Thevalve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure responsive elementcomprises a piston element having a head portion with an upper outersurface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet opening,a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted foroperative engagement with said bias force exertion mechanism, saidpiston element including at least one gas channeling element fordirecting gas into said duct from said gas inlet opening when saidpiston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet opening and insaid second position.
 26. The valve as claimed in claim 25, wherein saidgas channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along thelength of said piston element peripheral outer surface.
 27. The valve asclaimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure responsive element comprisesa spherical member having a diameter less than the width dimension ofsaid central duct and greater than the width dimension of said gas inletopening.
 28. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said bias forceexertion mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containmentsleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with saidpressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in saidcontainment sleeve.
 29. In a regulator system for use in an underwaterbreathing apparatus having a container of high pressure breathable gas,said regulator system having a first stage regulator adapted forcoupling to the high pressure breathable gas container for reducing thepressure thereof to an intermediate pressure level, a mechanism forreleasably attaching the first stage regulator to the high pressure gascontainer, and a second stage regulator adapted for further reducing thepressure of the breathable gas from the intermediate pressure level to areadily breathable pressure level useable by an underwater diver, theimprovement wherein the mechanism for releasably attaching said firststage regulator to the outlet of the container of high pressurebreathable gas comprises: a valve housing defining a central passagewayhaving a gas inlet opening and a gas outlet opening, said housingfurther including an attachment portion disposed at said gas inletopening adapted for engagement with a high pressure breathable gascontainer outlet; a pressure sensing member positioned for mountingwithin said passageway between a first position to close said inletopening and seal it from the entry of gas and other fluids therein, anda second position to open said inlet opening and permit flow of gas intosaid inlet opening and through said passageway to said first stageregulator; a device for exerting selective bias force against saidpressure sensing member to continuously urge it to said first positionand maintain it at said first position absent gas pressure at said inletopening from the high pressure breathable gas container in excess ofsaid selective bias force to move said pressure sensing member to itssecond position; and a retaining device for removably securing saidpressure sensing member and bias exerting device within said passageway.30. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein said valve housingis an integral part of said first stage regulator.
 31. The improvementas claimed in claim 29, wherein said valve housing further includes athreaded post portion disposed at said gas outlet opening adapted forremovable engagement with said first stage regulator.
 32. Theimprovement as claimed in claim 29, wherein a gas filter member isdisposed within said passageway of said valve housing.
 33. Theimprovement as claimed in claim 32, wherein said gas filter member isconical in shape and disposed between said pressure sensing member andsaid gas outlet opening.
 34. The improvement as claimed in claim 32,wherein said gas filter member is in the form of a substantially flatcylinder and disposed between said pressure sensing member and said gasoutlet opening.
 35. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein saidpressure sensing member comprises a piston element having a head portionwith a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagementwith said gas inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower endportion adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exertingmechanism, said piston element including at least one elongated groovedisposed longitudinally along the length of said peripheral outersurface for channeling gas into said passageway from said gas inletopening when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inletopening.
 36. The improvement as claimed in claim 35, wherein said pistonelement includes a plurality of said grooves disposed substantiallyequidistantly about said peripheral outer surface.
 37. The improvementas claimed in claim 36, wherein said bias force exerting mechanismcomprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coilspring having one end portion engaged with said pressure sensing memberand the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, theselective bias force of said coil spring being no less thanapproximately 10 psi.
 38. In a regulator device for reducing the gaspressure of a source of pressurized breathable gas in a self-containedunderwater breathing apparatus to a useable level when delivered to anunderwater diver using said apparatus, the regulator device including aregulator housing, a gas inlet mechanism including a gas inlet valve forthe regulator housing, pressure-sensing means for reducing gas pressurewithin the regulator housing at variable water depths, and an outletmechanism for delivering breathable gas at a pressure level less thanthe pressure level of said gas at the gas inlet mechanism, theimprovement wherein said gas inlet valve comprises: a valve housingdefining a tubular interior duct having gas inlet and gas outletapertures at opposite ends thereof; a gas flow control elementpositioned within said duct for movement between a first position toseal said gas inlet aperture to prevent entrance of gas and any otherfluid into said duct, and a second position to open said gas inletaperture to the flow of pressurized gas therethrough into said duct,said control element moving in a reciprocal manner within said tubularduct between said first and second positions; a resilient member mountedin said duct in operative relation with said gas flow control element tocreate a bias force to regulate the movement of said gas flow controlelement between said first and second positions, the bias force createdby said resilient member maintaining said gas flow control element atsaid first position absent sufficient pressure of breathable gas fromsaid source at said inlet aperture to overcome the bias force of saidresilient member; and a retainer member for removably securing said gasflow control element and said resilient member within said tubular duct.39. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulatordevice comprises a first stage regulator with said source of pressurizedbreathable gas comprising a high pressure SCUBA tank having a tank gasoutlet member, and wherein said gas inlet valve housing furthercomprises an attachment portion in the form of a collar extendingoutwardly from said gas inlet aperture for selective attachment to saidtank gas outlet member, and a threaded post portion disposed at saidvalve housing gas outlet aperture for engagement with said first stageregulator.
 40. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein saidregulator device comprises a second stage regulator for use as analternate gas source in a SCUBA system with said source of pressurizedbreathable gas comprising the gas outlet portion of a gas hosedelivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, and whereinsaid gas inlet valve housing further comprises an attachment portion inthe form of a quick connect element associated with from said gas inletaperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and athreaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture tosaid second stage regulator.
 41. The improvement as claimed in claim 38,wherein said gas inlet valve further comprises a gas filter memberdisposed within said duct.
 42. The improvement as claimed in claim 41,wherein said gas filter member is conical in shape and disposed betweensaid gas flow control element and said gas outlet aperture.
 43. Theimprovement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said gas filter member is inthe form of a substantially flat cylinder and disposed between said gasflow control element and said gas outlet aperture.
 44. The improvementas claimed in claim 41, wherein said gas flow control element comprisesa piston having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adaptedfor retractable engagement with said gas inlet aperture, a cylindricalouter surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagementwith said resilient member, said piston including at least one elongatedgroove disposed longitudinally along the length of said cylindricalouter surface for channeling gas into said duct from said gas inletaperture when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inletaperture.
 45. The improvement as claimed in claim 44, wherein saidpiston includes a plurality of said grooves disposed substantiallyequidistantly about said cylindrical outer surface.
 46. The improvementas claimed in claim 45, wherein said resilient member comprises a coilspring disposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring havingone end portion engaged with said piston lower end portion and theopposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, the selectivebias force of said coil spring being no less than approximately 10 psi.47. The improvement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said pistoncomprises a spherical element having a diameter less than the diameterof said tubular duct and greater than the diameter of said gas inletaperture, and wherein said resilient member comprises a coil springdisposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one endportion engaged with said spherical element and the opposite end portionmounted in said containment sleeve.
 48. The improvement as claimed inclaim 38, wherein said regulator device is a first stage regulatoradapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filledwith pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valvehousing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extendingoutwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted forcompressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against thegas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.
 49. Theimprovement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device is afirst stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portionof a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBAsystem, said valve housing including an attachment portion comprising aDIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and athreaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector andvalve housing gas inlet aperture with the gas outlet portion of thepressurized breathable gas container.
 50. The improvement as claimed inclaim 38, wherein said regulator device is a second stage regulator foruse as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted to selectivelyengage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas ofan intermediate gas pressure, said valve housing including an attachmentportion comprising a quick connect element associated with from said gasinlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose,and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outletaperture to the second stage regulator.
 51. A one-way inlet valve for afirst stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portionof a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBAsystem, said valve comprising: a housing defining a central duct withgas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, saidhousing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extendingoutwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted forcompressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against thegas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container; apressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gasinlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position forsealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and asecond position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inletopening and pass through said duct; a mechanism disposed in said ductfor exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsiveelement to maintain said pressure responsive element at said firstposition in the absence of gas pressure from said pressurized breathablegas container at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselectedbias force; a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream fromsaid pressure responsive element; and a retainer element for removablysecuring said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and saidpressure responsive element all within said duct.
 52. A one-way inletvalve for a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gasoutlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas foruse in a SCUBA system, said valve comprising: a housing defining acentral duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at oppositeends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a DINconnector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and athreaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector andvalve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of thepressurized breathable gas container; a pressure responsive elementmounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adaptedfor movement between a first position for sealing said duct to preventgas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for openingsaid duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass throughsaid duct; a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselectedbias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain saidpressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gaspressure from said pressurized breathable gas container at said gasinlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force; a gas filtermember disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsiveelement; and a retainer element for removably securing said filter, saidbias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element allwithin said duct.
 53. A one-way inlet valve for a second stage regulatorfor use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted toselectively engage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose deliveringbreathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, said valve comprising: ahousing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet aperturesdefined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachmentportion comprising a quick connect element associated with from said gasinlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose,and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outletaperture to the second stage regulator; a pressure responsive elementmounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adaptedfor movement between a first position for sealing said duct to preventgas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for openingsaid duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass throughsaid duct; a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselectedbias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain saidpressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gaspressure from said intermediate pressure gas hose at said gas inletopening in excess of said preselected bias force; a gas filter memberdisposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element;and a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said biasforce exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element allwithin said duct.